Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - June 26, 2024
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Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - June 26, 2024
The Metropolitan Development Commission met on June 26, 2024, to consider a confirmatory resolution for a new Professional Sports Development Area (PSDA) aimed at attracting a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club to Indianapolis. The meeting also included approvals of routine items and continuances of zoning petitions.
Consent Calendar
- 2024 R013: Authorized transfer of property at 2605 East 25th Street to an affiliate of Edna Martin Christian Center Incorporated for redevelopment. Approved unanimously (7-0).
- 2024 E023: Declaratory resolution expanding the Greater Martindale Brightwood Housing Redevelopment Area and establishing the Reagan Park Housing TIF allocation area. Approved unanimously (7-0).
- 14 Petitions of No Appeals: Approved unanimously (7-0) as read into the record, covering various zoning and development petitions across multiple townships and council districts.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Martin D'Augustino (2450 North Alabama, Fall Creek Place neighborhood) opposed the PSDA resolution. He argued that Indianapolis does not need an MLS franchise or a new stadium built on public debt for private gain, and that the project would not improve safe streets, good schools, or stable property taxes. He stated that revenues would go to debt service and not the general fund, and criticized the mayor's change in position.
- Councilwoman Kristen Jones (714 Shepard Street, representing District) expressed disappointment but acknowledged the expected outcome. She requested transparency and accountability, noting that thousands of constituents, business owners, Indy 11 fans, and youth soccer players have unanswered questions. She asked how the commission could assist in bringing all stakeholders together for discussion, noting that the property owner of a historic building needed for the project is not interested in selling.
Discussion Items
- Professional Sports Development Area (PSDA) Plan Number Two (2024 E026) : Chief Deputy Mayor Dan Parker and outside counsel Scott Chin presented the resolution. They explained that the PSDA is necessary to support an MLS expansion club application, which would complement Indianapolis’s sports economy. Director Megan Vukasich detailed technical corrections, including removal of 10 parcels overlapping with a certified technology park. Scott Chin outlined that the resolution both confirms Area Plan Number Two and rescinds Area Plan Number One (the former diamond chain site). Reasons for rescinding included the new site giving the best chance for MLS, extensive council and community discussion, and streamlining the process. Next steps include review by the Indiana Finance Authority and the state budget committee, with a decision expected in late summer.
- Commissioner Questions: Commissioner James asked about the diamond chain site's status. Chief Deputy Mayor Parker responded that the site is privately owned and being handled by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with the city planning a full excavation of its one-acre parcel for potential human remains. Commissioner James also asked about the risk of state rejection; Parker stated discussions have been positive but the vote today was needed to proceed.
Key Outcomes
- Approved PSDA Confirmatory Resolution 2024 E026: Passed by a vote of 6-1 (seven ballots cast, six yes, one no). This approves the new Professional Sports Development Area Plan Number Two and rescinds Area Plan Number One. The resolution will now be sent to the state for further review.
- Continuances: Two zoning petitions (2024 ZON 014 at 7125 Wellingshire Boulevard and 2024 ZON 055 at 1010 East 86th Street) were continued to July 17, 2024, without additional notice, by votes of 7-0 each. Staff cited legal description amendments and parking/traffic issues respectively.
Meeting Transcript
Can I have executive director Andy Mallon please come to the podium? Yes, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the June 26, 2024 meeting of the Metropolitan Development Commission. Our special guest today is the executive director, Andy Mallon of the CIB, who I wanted to publicly uh compliment and recognize for the unbelievable exciting Olympic swimming trials that were put on at Lucas Old Stadium. What a fantastic game changer, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much on behalf of all our team. Would everybody rise as executive director Mound leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thanks again. Thank you, Andy, and congratulations again. Nancy, can you uh we'll read those into the minutes or the resolutions in a moment. The members of the commission received their minutes from the June 5th meeting 2024, last Thursday, and they had an opportunity to review it. Nancy, please show Commissioner Murphy recuses. He was not at the meeting. May I get a motion? Are there any deletions or additions to those minutes? Hearing none, can I get a motion to approve? Thank you. Can I get a second? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed. Moving forward. Now, Nancy, let's read the three resolutions that are on the uh agenda today into the minutes. Thank you, President Dillon and Commissioners. 2024 R013 authorizes DMD to transfer the property at 2605 East 25th Street to an affiliate of the Edna Martin Christian Center Incorporated for the purpose of beneficial redevelopment. 2024 E023. This is not for public hearing. It is a declaratory resolution expanding the Greater Martindale Brightwood Housing Redevelopment Area and establishing the Reagan Park Housing TIFF allocation area. This ends the reading of the resolutions. Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate it. We're going to go right into the public hearing of 2024 E026. The confirmatory resolution for an additional Marion County Professional Sports Development Area Plan, the area number two plan for an additional professional sports development area, the tax area number two. Let me explain how the process will work. Here today is uh Chief of Staff Dan Parker and outside counsel Scott Chin, who will give that presentation. Also, uh there will have a few comments then from City Councilwoman Jones uh who would like to put a couple comments in on the record. Is there anyone here today who would like to discuss this from a public standpoint? Sir, please come forward, introduce yourself and your name, and we'll be sworn in, please. We'll start the clock as soon as you start to testify. What is your name and address, sir? Good afternoon. Martin D Augustino 2450, North Alabama. That's the Fall Creek Place neighborhood. Thank you. Nancy, would you please swear him in? Yes. Would you please raise your right hand?
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